The way the glossy sesame seeds cling to the crispy, golden chicken, promising a symphony of sweet and savory, is pure culinary poetry. This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a fast track to weeknight dinner bliss, a shortcut to satisfying that craving for classic Chinese food without the takeout guilt.
Forget soggy, overly-sweet sesame chicken. This recipe delivers perfectly crisp chicken, coated in a balanced, flavorful sauce that’s ready faster than you can say “easy dinner.”
Why This Recipe Works
- Crispy Chicken: A simple cornstarch coating ensures the chicken gets perfectly golden and crispy in the pan, mimicking the texture of your favorite takeout.
- Balanced Sauce: The sauce is a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy, avoiding the overly-sugary pitfall of many sesame chicken recipes.
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate, this recipe is designed for speed and ease, making it a weeknight winner.
The Essential Components
Using quality ingredients is the first step to making restaurant-quality sesame chicken at home. Fresh chicken, good quality soy sauce, and fragrant sesame oil will make a world of difference. Don’t skimp on the sesame seeds either – they’re the star of the show!
- Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces): They stay juicy and tender during the stir fry process.
- Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating on the chicken.
- Egg: Helps the cornstarch adhere to the chicken.
- Sesame Seeds (toasted): Adds nutty flavor and visual appeal.
- Soy Sauce (low sodium): Provides the savory base of the sauce.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of tanginess to balance the sweetness.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce and helps it thicken.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and caramelizes beautifully.
- Sesame Oil (toasted): Infuses the dish with a rich, nutty aroma.
- Garlic (minced): Essential aromatic for the sauce.
- Ginger (minced): Adds a warm, spicy note.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a touch of heat.
- Green Onions (sliced, for garnish): Adds freshness and color.
Swaps & Alternatives
- Chicken Breast: Can be used instead of chicken thighs, but be careful not to overcook it.
- Tamari: A gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
- Maple Syrup: Can be substituted for honey in a pinch.
- Coconut Aminos: Another gluten-free and soy-free alternative.
- Arrowroot Powder: Can be used instead of cornstarch for the coating.
Chef’s Twists
Want to elevate your sesame chicken game? Here are a few ideas to take it to the next level.
- Add a splash of Shaoxing wine to the sauce for a more authentic Chinese food flavor.
- Stir in some chopped peanuts or cashews for added crunch.
- Grate some fresh orange zest into the sauce for a bright, citrusy note.
- Serve over Chicken Chow Mein for a complete meal.
How to Make Sesame Chicken
This sesame chicken recipe is surprisingly simple and quick to make. We’ll start by prepping the chicken and then whipping up the delicious sauce. The entire process, from start to finish, shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
1. Prepare the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together the egg and a pinch of salt. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat. Then, dredge the chicken in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture we all crave in sesame chicken.
2. Fry the Chicken
Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
3. Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). This is where the magic happens! Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
4. Combine and Simmer
Pour the sauce into the same skillet or wok you used to fry the chicken. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. This usually takes just a few minutes.
5. Coat the Chicken
Add the fried chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Make sure every piece of chicken is glistening with that delicious sesame glaze.
6. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the sesame chicken with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over rice or noodles. This easy dinner is best enjoyed fresh! You can even compare it to our Honey Sesame Chicken recipe and see which one you prefer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too much chicken at once will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy, unevenly cooked chicken.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breast can dry out quickly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked through but still juicy.
- Burning the Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics can burn easily, so keep the heat at medium and stir frequently.
Perfect Pairings
Sesame chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it with steamed rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a healthy and satisfying meal. For a more complete Chinese food experience, consider adding some stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and snap peas. You might also enjoy it with Mongolian Chicken for a flavorful combination.
A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich sesame chicken. Don’t forget the egg rolls or spring rolls for a truly authentic takeout experience! If you’re feeling adventurous, try pairing it with Orange Chicken for a double dose of deliciousness.
This recipe is a great alternative to ordering takeout. You can also try our Black Pepper Chicken recipe for another easy stir fry option.
Thanks for stopping by! I hope this dish brings joy to your table.
What makes this sesame chicken recipe better than takeout?
This recipe delivers perfectly crisp chicken coated in a balanced, flavorful sauce, and it’s ready faster than ordering takeout.
Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out more easily than chicken thighs.
What’s the key to getting the chicken crispy?
The cornstarch coating is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Make sure each piece of chicken is evenly coated before frying.
What are some alternatives to soy sauce for those with dietary restrictions?
Tamari and coconut aminos are gluten-free and soy-free alternatives to soy sauce that can be used in this recipe.
Sesame Chicken Better Than Takeout
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
- Large Skillet or Wok
- Spatula or tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plate
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ½ cup vegetable oil, for frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg and a pinch of salt.
- Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat.
- Dredge the chicken in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Carefully add the chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the sauce into the same skillet or wok you used to fry the chicken.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
- Add the fried chicken to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the sesame chicken with toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
